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Portland State named Gold Bicycle Friendly University by national bike advocacy group

Author: Suzanne Pardington, University Communications

Posted: May 1, 2013

Portland State University has moved up from silver to gold in this year’s Bicycle Friendly University ratings from the League of American Bicyclists.

PSU is now in the top four of the national rankings, in recognition of its commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through promotion, education programs, infrastructure and policies.

“It took many years of work and a lot of investment in time and dollars to become a Gold Bicycle Friendly University,” said Ian Stude, transportation options manager. “We want to support people making the choice to bicycle and make it as comfortable, easy and normal as possible.”

The percentage of students who regularly commute to campus by bike has doubled from 6 percent in 2005 to 12 percent in 2012. The University hopes to encourage more students to try commuting by bike during the month-long Bike to PSU Challenge, starting May 1. Last year, 1,100 riders logged 125,000 miles in the Challenge, which offers friendly competition, support for new riders and prizes such as a new bike from Linus Bikes each week.

In the past year, PSU has added more bike parking, created a low-cost bike rental program and started a new bicycle commuting class with the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. The University also has an on-campus bike repair shop called the Bike Hub and the city’s first Cycle Track, an enhanced bike lane through campus on Southwest Broadway.

The League of American Bicyclists this year named 58 Bicycle Friendly Universities in 30 states across the United States. Two other universities, UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara, are rated gold. Stanford University has a platinum rating. Go here for the full list.

“College campuses are natural places to integrate bicycling — and Portland State University recognizes the small steps needed to make bicycling a safe and easy option for students and staff,” said League President Andy Clarke. “Young people are driving less and riding more, and Portland State University has embraced that trend.”